Mobile device display of federated wireless access point networks for 5G or other next generation network

ABSTRACT

Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices that are not associated with a specific wireless carrier can be contractually operated as an extension of the specific Wi-Fi carrier. In this case, a display screen of a mobile device, that is currently communicating with the Wi-Fi device as an extension of the carrier, can display the carrier info. The display can be a result of a comparison between an internal mobile device data store and/or an external list that comprises the Wi-Fi devices that are acting as extensions of the carrier for a 5G network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to facilitating a mobile devicedisplay. For example, this disclosure relates to facilitating a mobiledevice display for a federated wireless access point device for a 5G, orother next generation network, air interface.

BACKGROUND

5th generation (5G) wireless systems represent a next major phase ofmobile telecommunications standards beyond the currenttelecommunications standards of 4^(th) generation (4G). Rather thanfaster peak Internet connection speeds, 5G planning aims at highercapacity than current 4G, allowing a higher number of mobile broadbandusers per area unit, and allowing consumption of higher or unlimiteddata quantities. This would enable a large portion of the population tostream high-definition media many hours per day with their mobiledevices, when out of reach of wireless fidelity hotspots. 5G researchand development also aims at improved support of machine-to-machinecommunication, also known as the Internet of things, aiming at lowercost, lower battery consumption, and lower latency than 4G equipment.

The above-described background relating to facilitating a mobile devicedisplay for a federated wireless access point device is merely intendedto provide a contextual overview of some current issues, and is notintended to be exhaustive. Other contextual information may becomefurther apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosureare described with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system in which anetwork node device (e.g., network node) and user equipment (UE) canimplement various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example schematic system block diagram of adisplay screen of a mobile device.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example schematic system block diagram of a mobiledevice communicating with a carrier-based wireless access point device.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic system block diagram of a mobiledevice communicating with a carrier-based wireless access point deviceand a federated wireless access point device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example schematic system block diagram of a mobiledevice communicating with a carrier-based wireless access point device,a federated wireless access point device, and non-carrier non-federatedwireless access point device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example an example flow diagram for displayassociated with a federated wireless access point device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram for a method associated witha display representative of federated wireless access points.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram for a method associated witha display representative of federated wireless access points.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram for a system associated witha display representative of federated wireless access points.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram for a machine-readablemedium associated with a display representative of federated wirelessaccess points.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example block diagram of an example mobilehandset operable to engage in a system architecture that facilitatessecure wireless communication according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example block diagram of an example computeroperable to engage in a system architecture that facilitates securewireless communication according to one or more embodiments describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques describedherein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, orwith other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “anembodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment,” “in one aspect,” or “in an embodiment,” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As utilized herein, terms “component,” “system,” “interface,” and thelike are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware,software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a componentcan be a processor, a process running on a processor, an object, anexecutable, a program, a storage device, and/or a computer. By way ofillustration, an application running on a server and the server can be acomponent. One or more components can reside within a process, and acomponent can be localized on one computer and/or distributed betweentwo or more computers.

Further, these components can execute from various machine-readablemedia having various data structures stored thereon. The components cancommunicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance witha signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network, e.g., the Internet, a local areanetwork, a wide area network, etc. with other systems via the signal).

As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry; the electric or electronic circuitry can beoperated by a software application or a firmware application executed byone or more processors; the one or more processors can be internal orexternal to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of thesoftware or firmware application. As yet another example, a componentcan be an apparatus that provides specific functionality throughelectronic components without mechanical parts; the electroniccomponents can include one or more processors therein to executesoftware and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, thefunctionality of the electronic components. In an aspect, a componentcan emulate an electronic component via a virtual machine, e.g., withina cloud computing system.

The words “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” are used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance ofdoubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by suchexamples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as“exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meantto preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that theterms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intendedto be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an opentransition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.

As used herein, the term “infer” or “inference” refers generally to theprocess of reasoning about, or inferring states of, the system,environment, user, and/or intent from a set of observations as capturedvia events and/or data. Captured data and events can include user data,device data, environment data, data from sensors, sensor data,application data, implicit data, explicit data, etc. Inference can beemployed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states of interest based on aconsideration of data and events, for example.

Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources. Various classificationschemes and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks,expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, and data fusionengines) can be employed in connection with performing automatic and/orinferred action in connection with the disclosed subject matter.

In addition, the disclosed subject matter can be implemented as amethod, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programmingand/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware,or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement thedisclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as usedherein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, machine-readable device, computer-readablecarrier, computer-readable media, or machine-readable media. Forexample, computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, amagnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magneticstrip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), a digital video disc(DVD), a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory device (e.g.,card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtual device that emulates a storagedevice and/or any of the above computer-readable media.

As an overview, various embodiments are described herein to facilitate amobile device display for a federated wireless access point device for a5G air interface or other next generation networks. For simplicity ofexplanation, the methods (or algorithms) are depicted and described as aseries of acts. It is to be understood and appreciated that the variousembodiments are not limited by the acts illustrated and/or by the orderof acts. For example, acts can occur in various orders and/orconcurrently, and with other acts not presented or described herein.Furthermore, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement themethods. In addition, the methods could alternatively be represented asa series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.Additionally, the methods described hereafter are capable of beingstored on an article of manufacture (e.g., a machine-readable storagemedium) to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologiesto computers. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, carrier, or media, including a non-transitorymachine-readable storage medium.

It should be noted that although various aspects and embodiments havebeen described herein in the context of 5G, Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), and/or Long Term Evolution (LTE), orother next generation networks, the disclosed aspects are not limited to5G, a UMTS implementation, and/or an LTE implementation as thetechniques can also be applied in 3G, 4G or LTE systems. For example,aspects or features of the disclosed embodiments can be exploited insubstantially any wireless communication technology. Such wirelesscommunication technologies can include UMTS, Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA), Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, ThirdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP), LTE, Third Generation PartnershipProject 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access(HSPA), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), High-Speed DownlinkPacket Access (HSDPA), High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Zigbee,or another IEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally, substantially allaspects disclosed herein can be exploited in legacy telecommunicationtechnologies.

Described herein are systems, methods, articles of manufacture, andother embodiments or implementations that can facilitate a mobile devicedisplay for a federated wireless access point device for a 5G network.Facilitating a mobile device display for a federated wireless accesspoint device for a 5G network can be implemented in connection with anytype of device with a connection to the communications network (e.g., amobile handset, a computer, a handheld device, etc.) any Internet ofthings (TOT) device (e.g., toaster, coffee maker, blinds, music players,speakers, etc.), and/or any connected vehicles (cars, airplanes, spacerockets, and/or other at least partially automated vehicles (e.g.,drones)). In some embodiments the non-limiting term user equipment (UE)is used. It can refer to any type of wireless device that communicateswith a radio network node in a cellular or mobile communication system.Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machinetype UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA,Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE),laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles etc. Note that the termselement, elements and antenna ports can be interchangeably used butcarry the same meaning in this disclosure. The embodiments areapplicable to single carrier as well as to multicarrier (MC) or carrieraggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term carrier aggregation (CA)is also called (e.g. interchangeably called) “multi-carrier system”,“multi-cell operation”, “multi-carrier operation”, “multi-carrier”transmission and/or reception.

In some embodiments the non-limiting term radio network node or simplynetwork node is used. It can refer to any type of network node thatserves UE is connected to other network nodes or network elements or anyradio node from where UE receives a signal. Examples of radio networknodes are Node B, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) nodesuch as MSR BS, eNode B, network controller, radio network controller(RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controllingrelay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmissionpoints, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antennasystem (DAS) etc.

Cloud radio access networks (RAN) can enable the implementation ofconcepts such as software-defined network (SDN) and network functionvirtualization (NFV) in 5G networks. This disclosure can facilitate ageneric channel state information framework design for a 5G network.Certain embodiments of this disclosure can comprise an SDN controllerthat can control routing of traffic within the network and between thenetwork and traffic destinations. The SDN controller can be merged withthe 5G network architecture to enable service deliveries via openapplication programming interfaces (“APIs”) and move the network coretowards an all internet protocol (“IP”), cloud based, and softwaredriven telecommunications network. The SDN controller can work with, ortake the place of policy and charging rules function (“PCRF”) networkelements so that policies such as quality of service and trafficmanagement and routing can be synchronized and managed end to end.

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, 4G standards canbe applied 5G, also called new radio (NR) access. 5G networks cancomprise the following: data rates of several tens of megabits persecond supported for tens of thousands of users; 1 gigabit per secondcan be offered simultaneously to tens of workers on the same officefloor; several hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections can besupported for massive sensor deployments; spectral efficiency can beenhanced compared to 4G; improved coverage; enhanced signalingefficiency; and reduced latency compared to LTE. In multicarrier systemsuch as OFDM, each subcarrier can occupy bandwidth (e.g., subcarrierspacing). If the carriers use the same bandwidth spacing, then it can beconsidered a single numerology. However, if the carriers occupydifferent bandwidth and/or spacing, then it can be considered a multiplenumerology.

A wireless carrier can compel a mobile device to display availablewireless radio connections as belonging to a home network even when theconnections are non-carrier radios that are federated with the network.For example, this scenario can occur through a contractual relationshipbetween the carrier and the wireless access device owners. The homenetwork is that of the wireless carrier to which the mobile device issubscribed. For instance, when a mobile device is roaming on Joe's PizzaWi-Fi, the mobile device display generally displays data related to theWi-Fi device (e.g., something like JPizza). However, when the samedevice roams on XYZ Mobile Services Wi-Fi, and assuming the home networkhas a federating contract with XYZ Mobile Services, the mobile devicecan display carrier info (e.g., something like AttMobile). Thus, thecustomer perception is that their device is still on AttMobile which istrue in practicality, because there is a service agreement between XYZMobile services and AT&T Mobile.

Mobile device must eventually be able to dynamically switch betweennetworks and carriers in a seamless manner. The problem that comes fromthis is the expectation from a mobile customer about being “on” theircarrier's network. If they see on their mobile device that they areconnected to XYZ Mobile, it can raise concerns. If Wi-Fi is forced intoan “on” state, where the customer can no longer have the option to turnit off, then a customer may become frustrated that they are no longer ontheir carrier's network and instead they are on a Wi-Fi service thatthey feel they should not be on at all. This would generally be a fairconcern, except in those cases where the non-carrier Wi-Fi provider hasa contractual agreement with that provider including performancemetrics. In such cases, it is arguable that the non-carrier network is acontracted extension of the carrier network and would therefore befairly claimed to be part of the carrier network.

However, when the mobile device can be informed about which specificwireless access points (WAP) (including small-cell Wi-Fi access points)are part of the carrier's network (e.g., “white list” of WAPs). EachWi-Fi network can be identified by a service set identifier (SSID) thatis supposed to be unique to a particular area, however it may not beunique across the country or across the globe. Another unique identifierfor a Wi-Fi access point can be a basic SSID (BSSID), which represents amedia access control address of the WAP generated by combining a 24 bitorganization unique identifier (OUI, the manufacturer's identity) andthe manufacturer's assigned 24-bit identifier for a radio chipset in theWAP. Devices connected to a Wi-Fi network already have the capability ofobtaining the BSSID from the WAP they are connected to.

When connecting to a Wi-Fi network, the mobile device can obtain theBSSID of the WAP to which it is connected and compare it to a “whitelist” of WAPs (as identified by BSSID) provided by carrier. Thisdisclosure provides multiple means for providing this information to themobile device. This information can be stored in a resident devicememory or be queried from a remote information store. For instance, whenthe mobile device connects to a specific Wi-Fi media access control(MAC) address (BSSID), the software functionality on the mobile devicecan query either an internal file and/or a remote data store.

An internal file can comprise those Wi-Fi MACs statically associatedwith the geographic locale of the mobile device. Therefore, every MAC inthe country need not be stored. However, those that are within ageographic threshold (e.g., relatively near the mobile device “home”)can be stored to save storage space. The definition of home can changebased on the amount of memory allocable to the task of storing the Wi-FiMACs. Thus, if a user takes a vacation, perhaps the “home Wi-Fi set” isrevised after a specific time period (e.g., 72 hours). However, if theuser takes a business trip, the “home Wi-Fi set” can be revised afteronly 24 hours, the previous home Wi-Fi set can be deleted, and a newWi-Fi set can be labeled. There can be a tradeoff between local memorysize and/or cost and the delay for a remote query and the need forwireless usage to make such a remote query. This can be managed byconfiguration parameters on each mobile device type. Furthermore, theamount of memory allocated to the task of retaining the “home Wi-Fi set”can be fungible and can be reduced to a minimum or even zero if memoryneeds dictate it. Mobile devices can also download the list of “homearea” BSSIDs after an “entitlement check” that queries which servicesare enabled for the particular device. The entitlement check functioncan vary by device. For example, Apple devices can perform anentitlement check upon power up, but Samsung devices can perform anentitlement check after each 24-48 hour period. The entitlement checkcan also be triggered by the network or by the device itself. When themobile device completes a data connection to a Wi-Fi access point, themobile device can either query the entitlement server for the list of“home area” MAC addresses or use a list that was downloaded into theresident memory after the last entitlement check.

In response to provisioning of the aforementioned information, themobile device can then display, on its local display, the informationprescribed by the wireless carrier in the provided information. Whetherin memory, or a response to a query to a remote server, a prescribedresponse can be displayed on the display of the mobile device. Forinstance, a subscriber on their own AT&T network can see AT&T becausethe mobile network code is their own. If the device roams onto AT&TWi-Fi, the device could also display AT&T if desired, since it is justan extension of the AT&T network. However, if the mobile device roams onXYZ Mobile, the mobile software functionality (recognizing it is not onits home MNC) can locally query the “home area list” or make a remotequery, and if the response is “AT&T”, then the mobile device can display“AT&T”. It could show any data indicating that it is a partner of AT&T.If there is no local or remote response for the Wi-Fi MAC, then themobile device can simply display the SSID of the Wi-Fi access point,such as JPizza, which is what currently transpires.

Similar to how the cellular communication mode is displayed (specifyingthe type of data communication mode being used {e.g., LTE, UMTS, GPRS,etc.}), the mobile device can still display Wi-Fi as the standard beingused for data communication when connected to a Wi-Fi network. In thescenario of querying a remote information store (e.g., the entitlementcheck), the entitlement server can also indicate how to displayinformation. For example, the AT&T name with the Wi-Fi icon can bedisplayed for the MAC addresses that are associated with AT&T hotspotsand AT&T roaming partners' hotspots that have service level agreements(SLAs) (i.e. the “white list” of MAC addresses), and display “unknown”or a similar indicator for all others.

Some mobile devices can come preconfigured to auto-connect to carrierhotspots (e.g., ATTWiFi) or H52.0. In these scenarios, the mobile devicecan display either the carrier name for carrier hotspots, or the HS2.0indicator. Modification of these hard-coded display characters can occurwhen the mobile device recognizes it is not using a connection requiringhard-coded characters, leaving open the possibility of something otherthan the SSID to display. The ultimate determinant is either the localfile or the response from the remote server upon query.

In one embodiment, described herein is a method comprising receiving, bya mobile device of a wireless network and comprising a processor, firstwireless network device data representative of a first wireless networkdevice determined to be associated with the wireless network. Inresponse to connecting to the first wireless network device, the methodcan comprise receiving, by the mobile device, second wireless networkdevice data from the first wireless network device. The method can alsocomprise comparing, by the mobile device, the first wireless networkdevice data to the second wireless network device data. Based on aresult of the comparing, the method can comprise displaying, by themobile device, a Wi-Fi indicator on a screen of the mobile device, andthe method can comprise connecting, by the mobile device, to a secondwireless network device different from the first wireless networkdevice. Additionally, in response to the connecting, the method cancomprise determining, by the mobile device, whether a conditionassociated with the connecting has been satisfied.

According to another embodiment, a system can facilitate, generatingfirst wireless network device data associated with a wireless networkdevice of a wireless network based on a condition being determined tohave been satisfied. The system can facilitate sending the firstwireless network device data to a mobile device of the wireless network.In response to the mobile device communicating with the wireless networkdevice, the system can facilitate comparing the first wireless networkdevice data to second wireless network device data. Furthermore, basedon the facilitating the comparing, the system can comprise facilitatingdisplaying service provider data indicative of an identity of a serviceprovider associated with the wireless network via a screen of the mobiledevice.

According to yet another embodiment, described herein is amachine-readable storage medium that can perform the operationscomprising receiving first wireless network device data representativeof a first wireless network device being determined to be associatedwith a wireless network. In response to communicating with the firstwireless network device, the machine-readable storage medium can performoperations comprising receiving second wireless network device data fromthe first wireless network device. The machine-readable storage mediumcan perform operations comprising comparing the first wireless networkdevice data to the second wireless network device data, resulting infirst comparison data. Based on the first comparison data, themachine-readable storage medium can perform operations comprisingdisplaying connection data via a visual interface of a mobile device ofthe wireless network. Additionally, in response to communicating with asecond wireless network device and based on a second comparison of thefirst wireless network device data to third wireless network device datafrom the second wireless network device, the machine-readable storagemedium can perform operations comprising removing the connection data.

These and other embodiments or implementations are described in moredetail below with reference to the drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example wirelesscommunication system 100 in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,system 100 can comprise one or more user equipment UEs 102. Thenon-limiting term user equipment can refer to any type of device thatcan communicate with a network node in a cellular or mobilecommunication system. A UE can have one or more antenna panels havingvertical and horizontal elements. Examples of a UE comprise a targetdevice, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable ofmachine to machine (M2M) communications, personal digital assistant(PDA), tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop mounted equipment(LME), universal serial bus (USB) dongles enabled for mobilecommunications, a computer having mobile capabilities, a mobile devicesuch as cellular phone, a laptop having laptop embedded equipment (LEE,such as a mobile broadband adapter), a tablet computer having a mobilebroadband adapter, a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, aheads-up display (HUD) device, a smart car, a machine-type communication(MTC) device, and the like. User equipment UE 102 can also comprise IOTdevices that communicate wirelessly.

In various embodiments, system 100 is or comprises a wirelesscommunication network serviced by one or more wireless communicationnetwork providers. In example embodiments, a UE 102 can becommunicatively coupled to the wireless communication network via anetwork node 104. The network node (e.g., network node device) cancommunicate with user equipment (UE), thus providing connectivitybetween the UE and the wider cellular network. The UE 102 can sendtransmission type recommendation data to the network node 104. Thetransmission type recommendation data can comprise a recommendation totransmit data via a closed loop MIMO mode and/or a rank-1 precoder mode.

A network node can have a cabinet and other protected enclosures, anantenna mast, and multiple antennas for performing various transmissionoperations (e.g., MIMO operations). Network nodes can serve severalcells, also called sectors, depending on the configuration and type ofantenna. In example embodiments, the UE 102 can send and/or receivecommunication data via a wireless link to the network node 104. Thedashed arrow lines from the network node 104 to the UE 102 representdownlink (DL) communications and the solid arrow lines from the UE 102to the network nodes 104 represents an uplink (UL) communication.

System 100 can further include one or more communication serviceprovider networks 106 that facilitate providing wireless communicationservices to various UEs, including UE 102, via the network node 104and/or various additional network devices (not shown) included in theone or more communication service provider networks 106. The one or morecommunication service provider networks 106 can include various types ofdisparate networks, including but not limited to: cellular networks,femto networks, picocell networks, microcell networks, internet protocol(IP) networks Wi-Fi service networks, broadband service network,enterprise networks, cloud based networks, and the like. For example, inat least one implementation, system 100 can be or include a large scalewireless communication network that spans various geographic areas.According to this implementation, the one or more communication serviceprovider networks 106 can be or include the wireless communicationnetwork and/or various additional devices and components of the wirelesscommunication network (e.g., additional network devices and cell,additional UEs, network server devices, etc.). The network node 104 canbe connected to the one or more communication service provider networks106 via one or more backhaul links 108. For example, the one or morebackhaul links 108 can comprise wired link components, such as a T1/E1phone line, a digital subscriber line (DSL) (e.g., either synchronous orasynchronous), an asymmetric DSL (ADSL), an optical fiber backbone, acoaxial cable, and the like. The one or more backhaul links 108 can alsoinclude wireless link components, such as but not limited to,line-of-sight (LOS) or non-LOS links which can include terrestrialair-interfaces or deep space links (e.g., satellite communication linksfor navigation).

Wireless communication system 100 can employ various cellular systems,technologies, and modulation modes to facilitate wireless radiocommunications between devices (e.g., the UE 102 and the network node104). While example embodiments might be described for 5G new radio (NR)systems, the embodiments can be applicable to any radio accesstechnology (RAT) or multi-RAT system where the UE operates usingmultiple carriers e.g. LTE FDD/TDD, GSM/GERAN, CDMA2000 etc.

For example, system 100 can operate in accordance with global system formobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications service(UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), LTE frequency division duplexing (LTEFDD, LTE time division duplexing (TDD), high speed packet access (HSPA),code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCMDA), CDMA2000,time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access(FDMA), multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA),single-carrier code division multiple access (SC-CDMA), single-carrierFDMA (SC-FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM),discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-spread OFDM) single carrierFDMA (SC-FDMA), Filter bank based multi-carrier (FBMC), zero tailDFT-spread-OFDM (ZT DFT-s-OFDM), generalized frequency divisionmultiplexing (GFDM), fixed mobile convergence (FMC), universal fixedmobile convergence (UFMC), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), unique wordDFT-spread OFDM (UW DFT-Spread-OFDM), cyclic prefix OFDM CP-OFDM,resource-block-filtered OFDM, Wi Fi, WLAN, WiMax, and the like. However,various features and functionalities of system 100 are particularlydescribed wherein the devices (e.g., the UEs 102 and the network node104) of system 100 are configured to communicate wireless signals usingone or more multi carrier modulation schemes, wherein data symbols canbe transmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency subcarriers (e.g.,OFDM, CP-OFDM, DFT-spread OFMD, UFMC, FMBC, etc.). The embodiments areapplicable to single carrier as well as to multicarrier (MC) or carrieraggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term carrier aggregation (CA)is also called (e.g. interchangeably called) “multi-carrier system”,“multi-cell operation”, “multi-carrier operation”, “multi-carrier”transmission and/or reception. Note that some embodiments are alsoapplicable for Multi RAB (radio bearers) on some carriers (that is dataplus speech is simultaneously scheduled).

In various embodiments, system 100 can be configured to provide andemploy 5G wireless networking features and functionalities. 5G wirelesscommunication networks are expected to fulfill the demand ofexponentially increasing data traffic and to allow people and machinesto enjoy gigabit data rates with virtually zero latency. Compared to 4G,5G supports more diverse traffic scenarios. For example, in addition tothe various types of data communication between conventional UEs (e.g.,phones, smartphones, tablets, PCs, televisions, Internet enabledtelevisions, etc.) supported by 4G networks, 5G networks can be employedto support data communication between smart cars in association withdriverless car environments, as well as machine type communications(MTCs). Considering the drastic different communication needs of thesedifferent traffic scenarios, the ability to dynamically configurewaveform parameters based on traffic scenarios while retaining thebenefits of multi carrier modulation schemes (e.g., OFDM and relatedschemes) can provide a significant contribution to the highspeed/capacity and low latency demands of 5G networks. With waveformsthat split the bandwidth into several sub-bands, different types ofservices can be accommodated in different sub-bands with the mostsuitable waveform and numerology, leading to an improved spectrumutilization for 5G networks.

To meet the demand for data centric applications, features of proposed5G networks may comprise: increased peak bit rate (e.g., 20 Gbps),larger data volume per unit area (e.g., high system spectralefficiency—for example about 3.5 times that of spectral efficiency oflong term evolution (LTE) systems), high capacity that allows moredevice connectivity both concurrently and instantaneously, lowerbattery/power consumption (which reduces energy and consumption costs),better connectivity regardless of the geographic region in which a useris located, a larger numbers of devices, lower infrastructuraldevelopment costs, and higher reliability of the communications. Thus,5G networks may allow for: data rates of several tens of megabits persecond should be supported for tens of thousands of users, 1 gigabit persecond to be offered simultaneously to tens of workers on the sameoffice floor, for example; several hundreds of thousands of simultaneousconnections to be supported for massive sensor deployments; improvedcoverage, enhanced signaling efficiency; reduced latency compared toLTE.

The upcoming 5G access network may utilize higher frequencies (e.g., >6GHz) to aid in increasing capacity. Currently, much of the millimeterwave (mmWave) spectrum, the band of spectrum between 30 gigahertz (Ghz)and 300 Ghz is underutilized. The millimeter waves have shorterwavelengths that range from 10 millimeters to 1 millimeter, and thesemmWave signals experience severe path loss, penetration loss, andfading. However, the shorter wavelength at mmWave frequencies alsoallows more antennas to be packed in the same physical dimension, whichallows for large-scale spatial multiplexing and highly directionalbeamforming.

Performance can be improved if both the transmitter and the receiver areequipped with multiple antennas. Multi-antenna techniques cansignificantly increase the data rates and reliability of a wirelesscommunication system. The use of multiple input multiple output (MIMO)techniques, which was introduced in the third-generation partnershipproject (3GPP) and has been in use (including with LTE), is amulti-antenna technique that can improve the spectral efficiency oftransmissions, thereby significantly boosting the overall data carryingcapacity of wireless systems. The use of multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) techniques can improve mmWave communications, and has been widelyrecognized a potentially important component for access networksoperating in higher frequencies. MIMO can be used for achievingdiversity gain, spatial multiplexing gain and beamforming gain. Forthese reasons, MIMO systems are an important part of the 3rd and 4thgeneration wireless systems, and are planned for use in 5G systems.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is an example schematic system 200block diagram of a display screen of a mobile device. In response toprovisioning information from the system 100, the UE 102 can displaydata associated with the wireless carrier that hosts the UE 102communication. The data can be hosted in memory of the UE 102, or thedata can be queried from a remote server as shown in FIG. 3. Based onthe data, the display of the UE 102 can be updated. For example, a UE102 on an AT&T carrier network can see “AT&T” because the mobile networkcode is its own. If the UE 102 roams onto an AT&T Wi-Fi, the UE 102 canstill display “AT&T”, since the AT&T Wi-Fi is an extension of the AT&Tnetwork. However, if the mobile device roams onto another mobile carrier(e.g., XYZ Mobile), then the UE 102 can locally query the home Wi-Filist 202 or make a remote query. If the response to the query is “AT&T”,then the UE 102 can display, via the display control function 204,“AT&T” and/or an associated AT&T icon. However, if there is no local orremote response for the Wi-Fi MAC, then the mobile device can displaythe SSID of the Wi-Fi access point (e.g., JPizza).

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example schematic systemblock diagram of a mobile device communicating with a carrier-basedwireless access point device. An internal file of the UE 102 cancomprise Wi-Fi MACs statically associated with the geographic locale ofthe UE 102. Therefore, every MAC in the country need not be stored.However, those MACs that are within a geographic threshold (e.g.,relatively near the mobile device “home”) can be stored to save storagespace. For example, a network Wi-Fi 302 can be stored as a home devicebased on its location in reference to the amount of time the UE 102spends communicating with the network Wi-Fi 302.

The UE 102 has a couple of different options to decipher if the networkWi-Fi 302 is actually a home Wi-Fi device. The UE 102 can query theinternal home Wi-Fi list 202 and/or the UE 102 can query thecommunication service provider network 106 via the network node 104. Inresponse to the query, the UE 102 can receive Wi-Fi list data from aWi-Fi list database 304, which can be based on binned Wi-Fi lists forthe geographic location between the UE 102 and the network Wi-Fi 302. Inresponse to the query, the UE 102 can also receive Wi-Fi display namedata, representative of the Wi-Fi name to be displayed to reference thenetwork Wi-Fi 302, from a Wi-Fi display name server 306. It should benoted that in other embodiments, the display name data can be receivedfrom the network Wi-Fi 302 and/or stored internally at the UE 102.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example schematic systemblock diagram 400 of a mobile device communicating with a carrier-basedwireless access point device and a federated wireless access pointdevice. It should be noted that repetitive description of like elementsis omitted for the sake of brevity.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, the UE 102 can begincommunication with another Wi-Fi device 402 based on its geographiclocation. The network Wi-Fi 402 can be a federated wireless accesspoint, which means that although this access point may not be from theservice provider of the UE 102, the access point is an extension of theservice provider network based on a contractual obligation. Thus, the UE102 should display the service provider information when communicatingwith the network Wi-Fi 402. To determine what data should be displayed,the UE 102 can query the internal home Wi-Fi list 202 and/or it canquery the communication service provider network 106 for informationabout the network Wi-Fi 402. Because the network Wi-Fi 402 is afederated wireless access point, the display control function 204 canfacilitate displaying the name of the service provider instead of thename of the wireless access point (e.g., JPizza).

It should also be noted that the definition of home network device canchange based on the amount of memory allocable to the task of storingthe Wi-Fi MACs. Thus, if a user takes a vacation, perhaps the “homeWi-Fi set” is revised after a specific time period (e.g., 72 hours).Based on this scenario, if the UE 102 is in communication with thenetwork Wi-Fi 402 for more than 72 hours, then the network Wi-Fi 402 canbe revised and listed as a home network device in the internal homeWi-Fi list 202 of the UE 102. This process can also remove the networkWi-Fi 302 from the internal home Wi-Fi list 202 to save memory capacityon the mobile device. Because the network Wi-Fi 402 is now listed as ahome network device in the internal home Wi-Fi list 202, this can alsoprevent the UE 102 from having to query the communication serviceprovider network 106 every time the UE 102 is in communication with thenetwork Wi-Fi 402. This can be managed by configuration parameters onthe UE 102 based on the device type. Furthermore, the amount of memoryallocated to the task of retaining the “home Wi-Fi set” can be fungibleand can be reduced to a minimum or even zero if memory needs dictate it.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is an example schematic systemblock diagram of a mobile device communicating with a carrier-basedwireless access point device, a federated wireless access point device,and non-carrier non-federated wireless access point device. It should benoted that repetitive description of like elements is omitted for thesake of brevity.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the UE 102 can begincommunication with another Wi-Fi device 502 based on its geographiclocation. The network Wi-Fi 502 can be a non-carrier, non-federated(e.g., non-contracted) wireless access point, which means that althoughthis access point is not associated with a service provider of the UE102, and there it is not an extension of the service provider networkbased on a contractual obligation. Thus, the UE 102 can display thebasic SSID (e.g., JPizza). To determine what data should displayed, theUE 102 can query the internal home Wi-Fi list 202 and/or it can querythe communication service provider network 106 for information about thenetwork Wi-Fi 502. As opposed to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 wherethe network Wi-Fi 302, 402 is from the service provider or an extensionof the service provider (e.g., via a contractual relationship) and thename of the network Wi-Fi 302, 402 can be found in the home Wi-Fi listand/or the Wi-Fi list database 304, the network Wi-Fi 502 is neither isa non-carrier and non-federated wireless access point. Thus, the name ofthe network Wi-Fi 502 cannot be found in the home Wi-Fi list and/or theWi-Fi list database 304. In alternative embodiments, the name of thenetwork Wi-Fi 502 can be found in the home Wi-Fi list and/or the Wi-Filist database 304, however, there can be an indication that the networkWi-Fi 502 is a non-carrier and non-federated wireless access point.Consequently, the UE 102 can display the basic SSID (e.g., JPizza) toindicate to a user that the network Wi-Fi is not associated with the UE102 carrier.

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example flow diagram 600 fora display associated with a federated wireless access point device. Itshould be noted that repetitive description of like elements is omittedfor the sake of brevity.

At block 602 the UE 102 can receive data associated with a network Wi-Finame 302, 402, 502. At block 604, the UE 102 can compare the networkWi-Fi name 302, 402, 502 to the home Wi-Fi list 202 found on the UE 102.If the network Wi-Fi name 302, 402, 502 is found on the home Wi-Fi list202, then the UE 102 can display the service provider name at block 606.However, if the network Wi-Fi name 302, 402, 502 is not found on thehome Wi-Fi list 202, then the UE 102 can query the communication networkservice provider 106, at block 608, to determine if the network Wi-Fi302, 402, 502 name is found in the Wi-Fi list database 304. If thenetwork Wi-Fi name 302, 402, 502 is found within the Wi-Fi list database304, then the communication network service provider 106 can send the UE102 a signal indicating such so that the service provider name isdisplayed on the UE 102 at block 612. However, if the network Wi-Fi name302, 402, 502 is not found within the Wi-Fi list database 304, then thecommunication network service provider 106 can send the UE 102 a signalindicating such so that the SSID of the network Wi-Fi name 302, 402, 502is displayed on the UE 102 at block 614.

Referring now to FIG. 7, is an example flow diagram for a methodassociated with a display representative of federated wireless accesspoints. At element 700, a method can comprise receiving (via the UE 102)first wireless network device data representative of a first wirelessnetwork device (from the network node 104) determined to be associatedwith the wireless network. In response to connecting to the firstwireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi 302), the method cancomprise receiving (via UE 102) second wireless network device data fromthe first wireless network device (e.g., the network node 104) atelement 702. The method can also comprise comparing (via the UE 102) thefirst wireless network device data to the second wireless network devicedata at element 704. Based on a result of the comparing, the method cancomprise displaying a Wi-Fi indicator on a screen of the mobile device(e.g., the UE 102) at element 706. The method can also compriseconnecting to a second wireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name402) different from the first wireless network device (e.g., networkWi-Fi name 302) at element 708, and in response to the connecting, themethod can comprise determining whether a condition associated with theconnecting has been satisfied at element 710.

Referring now to FIG. 8, is an example flow diagram for a methodassociated with a display representative of federated wireless accesspoints. At element 800, a method can comprise receiving (via the UE 102)first wireless network device data representative of a first wirelessnetwork device (from the network node 104) determined to be associatedwith the wireless network. In response to connecting to the firstwireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name 302), the method cancomprise receiving (via UE 102) second wireless network device data fromthe first wireless network device (e.g., the network node 104) atelement 802. The method can also comprise comparing (via the UE 102) thefirst wireless network device data to the second wireless network devicedata at element 804. Based on a result of the comparing, the method cancomprise displaying a Wi-Fi indicator on a screen of the mobile device(e.g., the UE 102) at element 806. The method can also compriseconnecting to a second wireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name402) different from the first wireless network device (e.g., networkWi-Fi 302) at element 808, and in response to the connecting, the methodcan comprise determining whether a condition associated with theconnecting has been satisfied at element 810. At element 812, based onthe condition being determined to have been satisfied, continuing thedisplaying of the Wi-Fi indicator.

Referring now to FIG. 9, is an example flow diagram for a systemassociated with a display representative of federated wireless accesspoints. According to another embodiment, at element 900 a system canfacilitate, generating first wireless network device data associatedwith a wireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name 302, 402, 502)of a wireless network based on a condition being determined to have beensatisfied. At element 902, the system can facilitate sending the firstwireless network device data to a mobile device (e.g., UE 102) of thewireless network. In response to the mobile device (e.g., UE 102)communicating with the wireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name302, 402, 502), the system can facilitate comparing the first wirelessnetwork device data to second wireless network device data at element904. Furthermore, based on the facilitating the comparing, the systemcan facilitate displaying service provider data indicative of anidentity of a service provider associated with the wireless network viaa screen of the mobile device (e.g., the UE 102) at element 906.

Referring now to FIG. 10, is an example flow diagram for amachine-readable medium associated with a display representative offederated wireless access points. At element 1000, a machine-readablestorage medium that can perform the operations comprising receivingfirst wireless network device data representative of a first wirelessnetwork device (e.g., network Wi-Fi 302) being determined to beassociated with a wireless network. In response to communicating withthe first wireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name 302), themachine-readable storage medium can perform operations comprisingreceiving second wireless network device data from the first wirelessnetwork device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name 302) at element 1002. Themachine-readable storage medium can perform operations comprisingcomparing the first wireless network device data to the second wirelessnetwork device data, resulting in first comparison data at element 1004.Based on the first comparison data, the machine-readable storage mediumcan perform operations comprising displaying connection data via avisual interface of a mobile device (e.g., the UE 102) of the wirelessnetwork at element 1006. Additionally, in response to communicating witha second wireless network device (e.g., network Wi-Fi name 502) andbased on a second comparison of the first wireless network device datato third wireless network device data from the second wireless networkdevice (e.g., network Wi-Fi name 502), the machine-readable storagemedium can perform operations comprising removing the connection data atelement 1008.

Referring now to FIG. 11, illustrated is a schematic block diagram of anexemplary end-user device such as a mobile device 1100 capable ofconnecting to a network in accordance with some embodiments describedherein. Although a mobile handset 1100 is illustrated herein, it will beunderstood that other devices can be a mobile device, and that themobile handset 1100 is merely illustrated to provide context for theembodiments of the various embodiments described herein. The followingdiscussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of anexample of a suitable environment 1100 in which the various embodimentscan be implemented. While the description includes a general context ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable storagemedium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation alsocan be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein canbe practiced with other system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices.

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readablemedia. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can include volatileand/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The handset 1100 includes a processor 1102 for controlling andprocessing all onboard operations and functions. A memory 1104interfaces to the processor 1102 for storage of data and one or moreapplications 1106 (e.g., a video player software, user feedbackcomponent software, etc.). Other applications can include voicerecognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate initiationof the user feedback signals. The applications 1106 can be stored in thememory 1104 and/or in a firmware 1108, and executed by the processor1102 from either or both the memory 1104 or/and the firmware 1108. Thefirmware 1108 can also store startup code for execution in initializingthe handset 1100. A communications component 1110 interfaces to theprocessor 1102 to facilitate wired/wireless communication with externalsystems, e.g., cellular networks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, thecommunications component 1110 can also include a suitable cellulartransceiver 1111 (e.g., a GSM transceiver) and/or an unlicensedtransceiver 1113 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) for corresponding signalcommunications. The handset 1100 can be a device such as a cellulartelephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, andmessaging-centric devices. The communications component 1110 alsofacilitates communications reception from terrestrial radio networks(e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-basedradio services networks.

The handset 1100 includes a display 1112 for displaying text, images,video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setupfunctions, and for user input. For example, the display 1112 can also bereferred to as a “screen” that can accommodate the presentation ofmultimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics,etc.). The display 1112 can also display videos and can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface1114 is provided in communication with the processor 1102 to facilitatewired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE1394) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating andtroubleshooting the handset 1100, for example. Audio capabilities areprovided with an audio I/O component 1116, which can include a speakerfor the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication thatthe user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the userfeedback signal. The audio I/O component 1116 also facilitates the inputof audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or telephonyvoice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset 1100 can include a slot interface 1118 for accommodating aSIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a cardSubscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM 1120, and interfacingthe SIM card 1120 with the processor 1102. However, it is to beappreciated that the SIM card 1120 can be manufactured into the handset1100, and updated by downloading data and software.

The handset 1100 can process IP data traffic through the communicationcomponent 1110 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, forexample, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a personarea network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus,VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset 1100 and IP-based multimediacontent can be received in either an encoded or decoded format.

A video processing component 1122 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 1122can aid in facilitating the generation, editing and sharing of videoquotes. The handset 1100 also includes a power source 1124 in the formof batteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source 1124 caninterface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown)by a power I/O component 1126.

The handset 1100 can also include a video component 1130 for processingvideo content received and, for recording and transmitting videocontent. For example, the video component 1130 can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A location trackingcomponent 1132 facilitates geographically locating the handset 1100. Asdescribed hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates thefeedback signal automatically or manually. A user input component 1134facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The userinput component 1134 can also facilitate the generation, editing andsharing of video quotes. The user input component 1134 can include suchconventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.

Referring again to the applications 1106, a hysteresis component 1136facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which isutilized to determine when to associate with the access point. Asoftware trigger component 1138 can be provided that facilitatestriggering of the hysteresis component 1138 when the Wi-Fi transceiver1113 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client 1140 enablesthe handset 1100 to support SIP protocols and register the subscriberwith the SIP registrar server. The applications 1106 can also include aclient 1142 that provides at least the capability of discovery, play andstore of multimedia content, for example, music.

The handset 1100, as indicated above related to the communicationscomponent 1110, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 1113 (e.g.,Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, suchas IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM handset 1100. The handset 1100 canaccommodate at least satellite radio services through a handset that cancombine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handhelddevice.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer 1200 operable to execute a system architecture that facilitatesestablishing a transaction between an entity and a third party. Thecomputer 1200 can provide networking and communication capabilitiesbetween a wired or wireless communication network and a server (e.g.,Microsoft server) and/or communication device. In order to provideadditional context for various aspects thereof, FIG. 12 and thefollowing discussion are intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable computing environment in which the variousaspects of the innovation can be implemented to facilitate theestablishment of a transaction between an entity and a third party.While the description above is in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the innovation can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data ina data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery ortransport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference to FIG. 12, implementing various aspects described hereinwith regards to the end-user device can include a computer 1200, thecomputer 1200 including a processing unit 1204, a system memory 1206 anda system bus 1208. The system bus 1208 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1206 to the processingunit 1204. The processing unit 1204 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi processorarchitectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1204.

The system bus 1208 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1206includes read-only memory (ROM) 1227 and random access memory (RAM)1212. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1227 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1200, such as during start-up. The RAM 1212 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1200 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1214 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1214 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1216, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1218) and an optical disk drive 1220, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1222 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1214, magnetic diskdrive 1216 and optical disk drive 1220 can be connected to the systembus 1208 by a hard disk drive interface 1224, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1226 and an optical drive interface 1228, respectively. Theinterface 1224 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1294 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject innovation.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1200 the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer 1200, such aszip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, can also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media can contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed innovation.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1212,including an operating system 1230, one or more application programs1232, other program modules 1234 and program data 1236. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1212. It is to be appreciated that the innovation canbe implemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1200 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1238 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1240. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1204 through an input deviceinterface 1242 that is coupled to the system bus 1208, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 2394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1244 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1208 through an interface, such as a video adapter 1246. Inaddition to the monitor 1244, a computer 1200 typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1200 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections by wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1248. The remotecomputer(s) 1248 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentdevice, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer,although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1250 isillustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1252 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1254. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which mayconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1200 isconnected to the local network 1252 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1256. The adapter 1256 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1252, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1256.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1200 can includea modem 1258, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1254, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1254, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1258, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1208 through the input device interface 1242. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1250. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless devices orentities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet).Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, atan 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, orwith products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

Wi-Fi offload of cellular networks is increasingly important as datademand continually pushes the needs for finite spectrum resources.However, switching dynamically between networks and carriers in aseamless manner can influence the expectation from a mobile customerabout being “on” their carrier's network. If they see on their mobiledevice that they are connected to XYZ Mobile, which is not theircarrier, it can raise concerns. Thus, a system is needed that can modifya UE display to also identify federated Wi-Fi devices as being anextension of a wireless carrier service provider.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subjectdisclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the preciseforms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possiblethat are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples,as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the subject matter has been described herein inconnection with various embodiments and corresponding FIGs, whereapplicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can beused or modifications and additions can be made to the describedembodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitutefunction of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: in response to a definedtime duration being determined to have lapsed, initiating, by a userequipment comprising a processor, sending request data, representativeof a request, to a base station via a network; in response to sendingthe request data, receiving, by the user equipment, first Wi-Fi devicedata representative of a first Wi-Fi device determined to be associatedwith the network; in response to connecting to the first Wi-Fi device,receiving, by the user equipment, second Wi-Fi device data from thefirst Wi-Fi device; comparing, by the user equipment, the first Wi-Fidevice data to the second Wi-Fi device data; based on a result of thecomparing, displaying, by the user equipment, a Wi-Fi indicator on ascreen of the user equipment; connecting, by the user equipment, to asecond Wi-Fi device different from the first Wi-Fi device; and inresponse to the connecting, determining, by the user equipment, whethera condition associated with the connecting has been satisfied.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: based on the condition beingdetermined to have been satisfied, continuing the displaying of theWi-Fi indicator.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the Wi-Fi indicatorcomprises an indication that the second Wi-Fi device is associated witha service provider enabling the network.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the first Wi-Fi device data is stored in a memory of the userequipment, and wherein the second Wi-Fi device data comprises basicservice set identifier data associated with an identity of the secondWi-Fi device.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: based on thecondition being determined not to have been satisfied, ceasing, by theuser equipment, the displaying of the Wi-Fi indicator.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first Wi-Fi device data is stored in a memory ofthe user equipment as a function of time, and wherein the first Wi-Fidevice data is stored in the memory based on a geographic location ofthe first Wi-Fi device.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the geographiclocation is a first geographic location, and wherein the first Wi-Fidevice data is stored in the memory based on the first geographiclocation of the first Wi-Fi device in relation to a second geographiclocation of the base station associated with the network.
 8. A system,comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising: in response to a defined timeduration being determined to have been lapsed upon a power-up procedureof a user equipment, receiving request data, representative of a requestfor first Wi-Fi device data from the user equipment; in response toreceiving the request data, and based on a condition being determined tohave been satisfied, generating the first Wi-Fi device data associatedwith a Wi-Fi device communicatively coupled to a network; sending thefirst Wi-Fi device data to the user equipment via the network; inresponse to the user equipment communicating with the Wi-Fi device,facilitating comparing the first Wi-Fi device data to second Wi-Fidevice data; and based on the facilitating of the comparing,facilitating displaying service provider data indicative of an identityof a service provider associated with the network via a screen of theuser equipment.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the condition is afunction of a relationship between the Wi-Fi device and the serviceprovider.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the identity of the serviceprovider is a first identity, and wherein the second Wi-Fi device datacomprises identity data representative of a second identity of the Wi-Fidevice.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the operations furthercomprise: in response to the sending the first Wi-Fi device data to theuser equipment of the network, facilitating storing the first networkdata at the user equipment.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein theoperations further comprise: in response to a time associated with thecommunicating having been determined to have lapsed, deleting the firstWi-Fi data from the user equipment.
 13. The system of claim 8, whereinthe operations further comprise: in response to the sending of the firstWi-Fi device data to the user equipment, facilitating storing the firstWi-Fi data at a data store, wherein the data store is remote for theuser equipment.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: based on the comparing of the first Wi-Fi device datato the second Wi-Fi device data, determining a service associated withthe network.
 15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprisingexecutable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising: in response to a defined timeduration being determined to have been lapsed, sending request data,representative of a request for first Wi-Fi device data representativeof a first Wi-Fi to network equipment; in response to sending therequest data, receiving the first Wi-Fi device data representative ofthe first Wi-Fi device being determined to be associated with a network;in response to communicating with the first Wi-Fi device, receivingsecond Wi-Fi device data from the first Wi-Fi device; comparing thefirst Wi-Fi device data to the second Wi-Fi device data, resulting infirst comparison data; based on the first comparison data, displayingconnection data via a visual interface of a user equipment of thenetwork, resulting in displayed connection data; and in response tocommunicating with a second Wi-Fi device and based on a secondcomparison of the first Wi-Fi device data to third Wi-Fi device datafrom the second Wi-Fi device, removing the displayed connection data.16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein theoperations further comprise: downloading a data structure representativeof Wi-Fi devices associated with the network.
 17. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the operations furthercomprise: based on a time period associated with the communicating beingdetermined to have expired, modifying the data structure.
 18. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein themodifying of the data structure comprises removing the first Wi-Fidevice data from the data structure.
 19. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations furthercomprise: based on a location associated with the first Wi-Fi device,labeling the first Wi-Fi device as a home Wi-Fi device.
 20. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein theoperations further comprise: in response to the labeling of the firstWi-Fi device as the home Wi-Fi device, displaying service provideridentity data via the visual interface of the user equipment.